What are the submission dates?
Early Deadline: May 2
Final Deadline: June 2
Late Deadline: June 15

How will you be accepting submissions?
Through Withoutabox.com during the above dates.

What is the submission fee?

• $45 all films over 30 min.
• $35 all films under 30 min.
• $25 all San Diego residents, films shot in San Diego county, student films, and music videos. (Films can be of any length.)
• All fees increase $10 from May 4 – June 1.

Can you lower/waive the submission fee for special circumstances?
Unfortunately, due to the numerous requests, we are unable to make any adjustments to the fee structure.

Can you make an exception on the submission deadline?
Unfortunately we are on a strict time schedule to get through all the submissions and cannot make any exceptions.

Is it a postmarked deadline or received by deadline?
The submissions deadline is a postmarked by deadline.

Do you accept rough cuts/work-in-progress?
Yes, we will review and consider rough cuts and works-in-progress. Please note in the submission cover letter what elements are still being worked on.

Do you require films to be made after a certain date?
For the 2007 festival, films must be finished after 2005.

Can my submission and marketing material be mailed back to me after the submission process?
Due to the overwhelming number of entries we cannot return any submission materials.

How am I eligible for the San Diego Filmmakers Series?
A film is eligible for our San Diego Filmmakers section if the filmmaker currently lives in San Diego, was born in San Diego, or if the film was primarily shot in San Diego County.

What are the acceptable screening/exhibition formats for your festival?
We can screen films on 35mm and video. We can not screen 16mm film prints.
For the submission process, we can screen VHS (NTSC) tapes and DVD's (Region 0 or 1).

Is there an age requirement for the film festival?
Filmmakers of any age can submit a film.

Can I get confirmation that you received my submission?
Yes, please send a self-addressed stamped postcard. Soon after we receive your submission and payment, your film will be tracked Green on Withoutabox.

When will I be informed of which films made it in?
Our final decisions will be announced on approximately August 15th.

Do you watch the submissions all the way through?
Yes. Our team of screeners and film programmers ensure that every film is watched by more than one person, screened completely and considered fairly.

Can I still submit if my film has distribution or has aired on television?
Yes.

How do you distinguish shorts from features?
Documentary shorts should be under 30 minutes, Documentary features over 30 minutes. Narrative shorts should be under 30 minutes; narrative features should run over 30 minutes.

Do you accept music videos?
Yes.

Does my film need to be a World Premiere?
Your film must only be a San Diego premiere to be considered.

Can I submit more then one film?
Yes, but each film must be submitted and paid for separately through Withoutabox.

Do you accept multiple submissions on one DVD?
Yes, see above. On VHS, only ONE film per tape please.

What are the different film sections?
Features -- more than 30 minutes
Documentaries -- all lengths
Short Films -- less than 30 minutes
Music Videos
Women Filmmakers Series -- Written, produced, and/or directed by women
Native American Series -- Written, produced, and/or directed by Native Americans
San Diego Filmmaker Series -- Features, Docs and Shorts from local filmmakers.

Do I have to pick the film section I want to submit to?
No -- we will judge what category your submission best fits in. However, we do recommend including in your cover letter films appropriate for the Native American, Women's Filmmaker or San Diego Filmmaker Series.

What materials (i.e.: tapes, press kits, etc) should be sent?
Please send only the film on a VHS or DVD with your Withoutabox tracking ID.
We do not need any press kits, photos or other supplemental materials yet.

Do you accept both DVD+R and DVD-R discs?
Yes, but please check the discs on your home player before sending.

What additional information do I need to provide for submission as a student filmmaker?
Nothing, just note that the film was a student film production in the synopsis/cover letter field of your WIthoutabox submission.

Do I need to have all my music rights cleared to show a film at SDFF?
It is suggested that you retain at least film festival rights for your music, whether it's a score or songs.

Can I re-submit my film from last year?
Only if the previous version was a rough cut and the film has changed substantially since then.

If my film is not chosen, may I speak with a programmer for notes or feedback?
Unfortunately due to time constraints and the large number of submissions, we are unable to give individual feedback.

Must I submit online?
Yes, it makes everything go faster.